Makhana, or lotus seeds, are known for their innumerable health benefits. The white, cottony-soft texture and unparalleled taste of it can make you drool over it. They are packed with some great nutritional properties as they are rich in protein, gluten-free, great for pregnant women, and diabetic-friendly. You can experience the wondrous taste of makhanas by trying out new unique recipes we have curated down below.
Top 11 Makhana Recipes You Should Try
1. Spicy Makhana Munchies
If you are also looking for a healthy snack option that is yummy, then you’re at the right destination. This makhana recipe will be your best friend hereafter. Just gather basic ingredients like cooking oil or ghee, salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, chaat masala, peri peri masala, and Makhanas. Start by heating ghee in a saucepan and add your makhanas into it. Keep it tossing and mixing so that they get crunchy from every corner. Add all the masalas according to taste and done. Now, start binging on your new favorite munchies.
2. Makhana Aloo Tikki
This aloo tikki, made with the goodness of makhanas, is just the best thing you will come across. Start by roasting the makhanas in a pan until crispy and blend them into a fine powder. Take mashed potatoes and the fox nut powder in a bowl and mix them. Add sliced green chilies, black pepper, and other spices according to your taste. Heat a tawa, and cook round patties on it until golden and crispy. Pair it with mint and tamarind chutney.
3. Healthy Makhana Chaat
A chaat version of makhana sounds so delish, doesn’t it? Try it yourself. Soak the makhana in water for about 30 mins. Then, take them out in a bowl and squeeze off the excess water. Add yogurt, boiled and chopped potatoes, lemon juice, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and spices according to taste. Finally, sprinkle pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves. Indulge yourself in this simple, yummy chaat that will leave you spellbound.
4. Caramelized Makhana
This is a healthy and yummy treat that is infused with nutritional ingredients such as jaggery, ghee, and makhanas. Start by roasting makhanas in a pan until crispy and crunchy. In another saucepan, add jaggery and let it melt. Add it to the roasted makhanas and make sure all makhanas are coated with the melted jaggery. This is an easy sweet treat you can nibble on any time of the day guilt-free.
5. Palak Makhana
The flavorful combination of spinach gravy and makhanas is a definite must-try. Start by washing spinach and cook it in a pressure cooker with added spices. Then, blend the spinach and roast makhanas on the side. In a saucepan, add butter, cumin seeds, chilies, and tomato puree into it. Finally, add the spinach and makhanas and let it cook. Drizzle some cream to enhance the flavors.
Read also – 20 Flavors Of Kababs You Must Try
6. Makhane ka Raita
Makhanas are generally savored during fasts, so this raita dish will compel you to make it on a regular basis. Start by roasting the makhanas in ghee till they are crispy and firm. Then transfer them to a bowl and add whisked yogurt and spices like chili powder, chat masala, and cumin powder, and you can customize as per your liking. Then finally, add the makhanas and stir well so that each makhana gets coated with the yummy spicy yogurt.
7. Phool Makhana Gravy
This creamy, succulent dish will make you drown yourself in every single bite of it. Blend chopped tomatoes, chilies, and ginger. Take a saucepan and add asafetida and the puree into it and let it cook for a while. Add the roasted makhanas and spices into it and stir well. Blend a handful of roasted cashews for the cream. Finally, garnish with coriander leaves and some cashews.
8. Makhana Moongphali Kadhi
This is a wonderful variation of kadhi that is both savory and sweet in taste with the goodness of makhanas and yogurt together. Take a bowl and mix yogurt, flour, salt, sugar, and a bit of water and whisk it gently. Prepare the tadka in a saucepan by adding cumin seeds, green chilies, and cinnamon in hot oil. Further, cook the yogurt mixture and add roasted makhanas and the tadka into it. Garnish with peanuts and coriander leaves. Enjoy with phulkas or rice.
9. Aloo Makhana Sabzi
During the Navratri season, people abstain from onion, garlic, etc., according to their religious beliefs. This aloo makhana sabzi is one such dish that is well-suitable for Navratri. Start by roasting the makhanas and boiling potatoes on the side. Take a saucepan and saute cumin seeds, green chilies, and crackle spices like red chili, coriander powder, mixed masalas, etc. Then, add the boiled potatoes and makhanas and let them cook for a while. Sprinkle coriander leaves and indulge yourself in the dreamy taste of makhanas.
10. Chironji Makhana Kheer
The aromatic taste of chironji added to the goodness of makhanas will make you swoon over it. Begin with roasting makhanas and take half of them to blend them finely. In a saucepan, boil the milk and let it condense; keep stirring it so that it doesn’t settle at the bottom. Add jaggery, roasted makhanas, and blended makhanas into it. Let it cook so that the makhanas absorb the milk making it juicy and succulent. Then, add nutmeg and saffron to get the rich, classic aroma and taste. You can also add roasted nuts to amplify the taste.
11. Makhana Matar Sabzi
This makhana matar sabzi is just another masterpiece that comes from Punjabi cuisine. The rich, zesty flavors of this dish will leave you salivating. Roast makhanas and steam the peas on the side. Take a saucepan and add the puree of tomatoes and ginger to it, and crackle the spices according to your tastes. Further, add khoya to the creamy gravy, and it’s done!
Conclusion
These were some makhana recipes you should try to cause why not? This superfood is nutritious and tasty. Not to forget, versatile too!
Read also – 20 Sattu Dishes To Try Your Hands On!
